The KillerDAC Audio forum
General HIFI => Vinyl => Topic started by: ozmillsy on March 16, 2014, 01:57:36 PM
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As I mentioned elsewhere on the forum, a lot of current release music is released on vinyl where the dynamics appear to be in tact, seemingly unafflicted by DRC (Dynamic Range Compression) that is found on the digital release.
My hit rate is about 50/50, where the LP will show signs of obvious DRC, or it doesnt. I believe sometimes the same digital master is used to create the LP and CD releases, and sometimes it is a different master. Perhaps in the good examples the finalised studio mix is used for the LP (before the digital mastering engineer has messed with it) ?
This thread will document my personal findings, where I have recorded the LP to a Korg MR2, and checked the results of these recordings. It's true that my system could be influencing the accuracy of these recordings, but any inaccuracies are by far and away outweighed by the significantly different results that point to articial (digitally applied) DRC.
I'll open by showing an example of an LP that to my ears and eyes, is significantly compressed.
The Knife, Silent Shout (2006- click (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Shout))
LP, track 1
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/SilentShout_LP.jpg)
CD, same track
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/SilentShout_CD.jpg)
The Silent Shout LP and CD actually sound more alike than different (surface noise aside), and no surprises why, they are both compressed . There is a general lack of dynamics, everything seems loud. The LP and CD of this album is likely to be from the same digital master.
A good example.
Fever Ray, Self Titled (2009- click (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_Ray_(album))).
LP, track 8 , I'm Not Done
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/FeverRay%20-%20Im%20Not%20Done%20-%20LP.jpg)
CD, same track
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/FeverRay%20-%20Im%20Not%20Done%20-%20CD.jpg)
That album (LP) sounds just sublime. Whoever says electronic music sounds better compressed, hasn't got a clue !!!!
So, the posts I make in this thread, will be geared towards revealing those current release LPs that have their dynamics in tact. I may also show some compressed LPs from time to time, just as a reminder, that it isnt all rosey. :'(
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Thanks Oz a really useful thread!
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Goldfrapp, Tales of Us (2013- click (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_Us)).
LP, track 6 , Thea
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/Goldfrapp%20-%20Tales%20of%20Us%20-%20LP.jpg)
CD, same track
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/Goldfrapp%20-%20Tales%20of%20Us%20-%20CD.jpg)
The LP sounds wonderful, dynamics in tact, very natural. :) As you can see, the CD is full of clips !!!! >:( >:(
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Yes I have a Goldfrapp CD and it is complete sonic dross!
A real pity, she's got some pretty cool musical ideas.
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A real pity, she's got some pretty cool musical ideas.
This latest album is quite down tempo. I get into downtempo electronic music, but it's not for everyone.
I was just stoked that the dynamics are in tact on this LP. I have an earlier Goldfrapp SACD, and both the CD and SACD layers were compressed.
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Lorde, Pure Heroine (2013- click (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pure_Heroine))
LP, track 10
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/Lorde%20-%20A%20World%20Alone%20-%20Vinyl.jpg)
Digital download, same track
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Track_Analysis/Lorde%20-%20A%20World%20Alone%20-%20CD.jpg)
What a fresh new talent. Signed at 13, this is Lorde's debut full album. At 17, she wrote and co-produced all tracks.
Dynamics appear to be in tact on the LP. Sounds great.
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Good work OZ
I have the new Black Sorrows blue vinyl & CD
Great songs, but it doesn't sound too flash on vinyl or CD. :'(
I presume you are recording from Phono stage to a laptop?
Graham
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Great songs, but it doesn't sound too flash on vinyl or CD. :'(
Yeah, vinyl doesnt always equate to better. I gave an example in the OP of a title that sounds equally ordinary on both formats (Silent Shout).
I presume you are recording from Phono stage to a laptop?
I record to a Korg MR2 in dsd format, then process the music on my PC.
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I really appreciate your work on reporting your findings Oz. Helps me narrow down which records I should look out for :)
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I really appreciate your work on reporting your findings Oz. Helps me narrow down which records I should look out for :)
No worries. I reckon you'll like "Pure Heroine" Tuyen. The more I listen to it, the more I like it.
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I record to a Korg MR2 in dsd format, then process the music on my PC.
Cool device 8)
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Hay OZ, do you have the Holly Cole self titled LP to test?
Sounds wonderful!
I recorded it on my PC but it doesn't have the level of gear you use.
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Hay OZ, do you have the Holly Cole self titled LP to test?
Sounds wonderful!
I recorded it on my PC but it doesn't have the level of gear you use.
Hey mate, send it to me, and I'll have a crack at it. :)
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1 of the best sounding current release LP's in my collection: Andrea Bocelli - Passione
Audacity scans dont do this one justice.
Here is a sample, recorded off my TT (direct from phono outputs). Have a listen, and tell me what you think?
Click-Sample.zip (http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1370915/Audio/Anema.zip)
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No comments? Is it that bad. :-X
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I just downloaded, but have only PC speakers to listen to digital on :-[
Edit: OK, sounds very good in spite of what It's played back on 8)
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Cool, thanks for the feedback. :)
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Thanks again Oz. You reckon you have many more records in your collection where the LP has better DR over the digital release?
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Thanks again Oz. You reckon you have many more records in your collection where the LP has better DR over the digital release?
the majority of my LP collection was purchased in the 70's and 80's, and are analog recordings that are free of artificial digital dynamic range compression.
Of the recent LP titles i have been purchasing, about 60-70% appear to have much better dynamics than the official digital release.
I intend to keep sharing my recordings of these LPs on my blog in due course, but I am in a recording hiatus ATM, due to moving.